CALCIUM  ASCORBATE

DESCRIPTION
Calcium Ascorbate, the calcium salt of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin c) is white to yellowish, practically odorless powder.

PROPERTIES
Empirical Formula              C12H14CaO122H2O
Molecular Weight               426.35
Solubility                     Free soluble in water (approx.50 g/100 ml),slightly soluble in alcohol and insoluble in ether.        
pH of Solution                 6.8-7.4(10% aqueous solution)

APPLICATIONS
Calcium Ascorbate is mostly used in dry preparations. Calcium Ascorbate solutions have a tendency to get a moisture up upon long standing. Calcium Ascorbate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a chemical preservative (antioxidant). The proposed monograph on vitamin and mineral products for OCT human use in the Federal Register, March 16, 1979, lists Calcium Ascorbate (as well as sodium Ascorbate and Ascorbyl Palmitate) as accepted sources of vitamin c.

COMPENDIAL REQUIREMENTS

Calcium Ascorbate meets all requirements of FCC IV when tested according to those methods (pg.45-46).

  Identification                  Positive
Assay (iodometric titration)       Not less than 98.0% C12H14CaO122H2O
Specific Rotation (¦Á) 25 deg.      +95 - +97deg.  
pH value                           6.8 to 7.4
Loss on Drying                     Less than 0.1%
Arsenic (as As)                    Max.3PPM
Heavy Metal (as Pb)                Max. 10PPM
Fluoride                           Max. 10PPM
Oxalate                            Pass test
Organic Volatile Impurity          Meets the requirement
Sieve Test                         Min.98% through No.40 US Standard sieve
               
STABILITY
Calcium Ascorbate is fairly stable to air if protected from humidity, but is slightly sensitive to heat; it is less susceptible to discoloration than ascorbic acid.

BIOCHEMICAL EQUIVALENCE
Because of differences in molecular weight the following equivalence exist between calcium Ascorbic and Ascorbic acid:
1 part Calcium Ascorbate   = 0.82 part Ascorbic Acid
1 part Ascorbic Acid       = 1.22 parts Calcium Ascorbate

PACKAGING & STORAGE

Standard packing: 25-kilo drums or square pack boxes (palletized with polyethylene liners upon request). Store in tight, light-resistant containers. Avoid exposure to moisture and excessive heat. For optimum storage, maintain temperature at 72 deg.Fahrenheit or below.